Russell Reynolds Associates Names European Regional Co-Heads

April 20, 2018 – Russell Reynolds Associates has named Patrick Johnson and Matthias Oberholzer as regional co-heads for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. In addition, James Roome will now lead the U.K. office. “This leadership team is well-positioned to help clients navigate global uncertainty and the potential impact of the Brexit transition in the region,” said the firm.

“As leaders with significant experience in guiding boards at client organizations, Matthias, Patrick and James each understand the challenges that companies face during times of economic and political uncertainty,” said Clarke Murphy, CEO. “They form a strong leadership team in Europe, adding value through their unique insights and significant experience in working with multinational companies.”

Mr. Johnson is a London-based member of the firm’s board practice and the global non-profit practice. With more than 20 years of executive search experience, both in the U.K. and internationally, he has advised on a wide variety of senior executive, chairman and non-executive director positions across the civil service, charities, regulators, healthcare, academia and the wider public sector, as well as undertaking chairman and non-executive director roles in the private sector. Mr. Johnson previously worked within PA Consulting Group’s human resources practice, after a period in the oil industry.

Located in Zurich, Dr. Oberholzer also leads Russell Reynolds’ Swiss office and is the co-head of the firm’s insurance practice. He focuses on assignments for insurance, banking and private equity clients. His recent assignments within the financial services sector include working closely with global insurance companies to find a range of top leaders, including a global CEO, CHRO, CMO, COO, head of strategy as well as regional CEOs and country CEOs. Dr. Oberholzer also supported the appointment of a head of investment banking for Switzerland for a European financial services provider and various CEO and managing director-level positions for Swiss-based private banks. He was previously with McKinsey & Co. Among his academic degrees, Dr. Oberholzer holds a doctorate in insurance economics from the University of Basel.

Mr. Roome also serves on the firm’s global executive committee and previously co-led the technology practice. He is a core member of the firm’s board and digital practices. In addition, Mr. Roome is vice chair of the Prince’s Trust Technology Leadership Group, supporting disadvantaged young people through partnerships with leading technology companies. He was previously with Ernst and Young.

Mr. Murphy said the acquisition is an important step in strengthening the firm’s position in a key area of its board advisory service. “We will add exceptional depth of experience in guiding boards around multiyear succession planning, coupled with strong sector insights provided by the wider firm,” he said.

Recent Expansion

Russell Reynolds Associates has experienced a number of new hires over the past year. Here’s a look at some key additions to the firm from the Hunt Scanlon Media archives: